Does Schlage Make a Smart Key Lock?

On this page (9 sections)

1. What is SmartKey on a Schlage lock?
2. Which Schlage smart locks use SmartKey?
3. Does the Schlage Encode have SmartKey?
4. Is the Encode Plus a SmartKey lock too?
5. Does the Schlage Touch Deadbolt use SmartKey?
6. How does SmartKey re-keying actually work?
7. SmartKey vs keypad codes: which should you rely on?
8. Is SmartKey worth having on a smart lock?
9. So, does Schlage make a smart key lock?

Yes. Schlage offers smart deadbolts with a keyed cylinder, so you can manage access with codes and the app and still keep a physical key.

SmartKey isn't sold as a standalone smart lock; it's a keyed cylinder technology on models like the Encode and Encode Plus. The Touch Deadbolt is fully keyless instead.

So the short answer to "does Schlage make a smart key lock" is yes, but the smart part and the SmartKey part are separate features that happen to share a deadbolt. This guide explains which Schlage smart locks carry SmartKey, how the re-keying works, and when the feature actually changes your buying decision.

What is SmartKey on a Schlage lock?

SmartKey is Schlage's re-keying system for the physical key. A small tool lets you switch the lock to a new key in seconds, and the old key stops working right away.

The point is control without a locksmith. Instead of pulling the cylinder or buying a new deadbolt when a key goes missing, you re-key the existing lock on the door.

That matters most in rentals, shared homes and any house where keys get handed out.

SmartKey is a cylinder technology, not an app feature. The smart side of a Schlage lock covers WiFi, codes, the Schlage Home app and voice control.

The two sit in the same housing on models that have both.

One practical detail: SmartKey needs a physical key to work. A lock with no keyway has nothing to re-key, which is why the keypad-only models handle this differently.

See how that plays out in the Philips smart lock if you want a comparison from another brand.

Which Schlage smart locks use SmartKey?

The Schlage Encode and Encode Plus both use keyed cylinders, and the Schlage Touch Deadbolt is the exception because it's fully keyless with no keyway to re-key.

Here's how the three models differ on this point:

• Schlage Encode: keyed cylinder plus built-in WiFi and a touchscreen keypad.
• Schlage Encode Plus: same keyed cylinder, plus Apple HomeKit and tap-to-open with an iPhone or Apple Watch.
• Schlage Touch Deadbolt: no keyway at all, so there's no key to lose.

If SmartKey is the feature you want, the Encode or Encode Plus is the lock to buy. The Touch Deadbolt solves a different problem: it removes the key entirely, which some households prefer for exactly that reason.

Does the Schlage Encode have SmartKey?

Yes. The Schlage Encode pairs a keyed cylinder with built-in WiFi, so you get both app control and a physical key you can re-key yourself.

The Encode connects straight to your home WiFi with no hub, and the Schlage Home app handles remote locking, up to 100 access codes, lock history and customizable notifications. It also adds a built-in alarm for door movement and forced entry attempts, plus voice control through Alexa and Google Home.

For most people who want SmartKey and smart features together, this is the model to start with. It fits standard doors from 1-3/8 in to 1-3/4 in thick with a 2-3/8 in or 2-3/4 in backset, and it runs on four AA batteries with a physical backup key included.

Is the Encode Plus a SmartKey lock too?

Yes. The Encode Plus keeps the keyed cylinder and adds Apple HomeKit and tap-to-open.

You can tap your iPhone or Apple Watch to lock or open, or use the keypad and app as usual.

That makes it the pick for Apple households that still want a physical key. The rest of the feature set matches the Encode closely: built-in WiFi, up to 100 codes, lock history, notifications and a built-in alarm.

It also works with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control.

If tap-to-open isn't something you'll use, the standard Encode gives you the same kind of keyed cylinder for less. Our roundup of the best Apple Home Key smart locks covers how the Encode Plus compares with other HomeKit options.

Does the Schlage Touch Deadbolt use SmartKey?

No. The Schlage Touch Deadbolt has no keyway, so there's nothing for SmartKey to re-key.

It's a fully keyless touchscreen deadbolt rather than a smart lock with a physical key.

Schlage's cylinder-free design means there's no key to bump or pick. You get 2 pre-programmed codes out of the box and room for up to 19 codes for family and trusted visitors.

A 9V battery powers it, and a jumpstart feature provides backup access if the battery fails.

The fingerprint-resistant touchscreen has downlighting so you can enter a code in the dark. It's a slimmer profile than the Encode models, which helps on doors with a screen door close behind.

This is the right lock when your goal is to stop carrying keys, not to manage them. If you want SmartKey, skip it and choose the Encode or Encode Plus instead.

How does SmartKey re-keying actually work?

You insert the SmartKey tool and the new key, turn, and remove the tool. The lock stays on the door, and the old key no longer opens it.

The steps are simple enough to do yourself:

1. Make sure the door is open and the deadbolt is unprotected.
2. Insert the current key and turn the cylinder to the correct position.
3. Insert the SmartKey tool and remove the old key.
4. Insert the new key and turn it to set the lock.
5. Remove the tool and test the new key before closing the door.

Schlage sells the SmartKey tool separately, so buy it when you buy the lock. Re-keying works for lost keys, a new tenant or a cleaner who shouldn't keep access.

The smart side doesn't change: your codes and app access stay as they are. Re-keying only affects the physical key, which is why it's useful as a backup path when you don't want to reset every code.

SmartKey vs keypad codes: which should you rely on?

Use codes and the app for daily access, and keep SmartKey as your backup. SmartKey controls who holds a physical key; codes control who can get in without one.

For most homes the keypad is the everyday tool. You can create and delete codes in the Schlage Home app, set schedules and review lock history.

A code you delete stops working right away, which is faster than collecting a key.

SmartKey earns its place when you want a key in reserve. The Encode includes one physical backup key, so you always have a way in if the batteries die or the WiFi drops.

Because the cylinder is SmartKey, you can re-key that backup whenever the key changes hands.

A Schlage smart lock covers both paths. Compare it with the Kwikset smart lock options if you're still choosing between brands.

For fingerprint access as a third path, the Aqara U100 is worth a look.

Is SmartKey worth having on a smart lock?

SmartKey is worth it if you hand out physical keys and want to change access without new hardware. If everyone uses codes or the app, it matters less.

The feature costs you nothing extra in daily use. It adds a keyed cylinder and a backup key, and re-keying takes minutes when you need it.

That's a real convenience for rentals, shared houses and households with rotating helpers.

The trade-off is a key to manage. A keyless lock like the Touch Deadbolt removes that burden but gives up the keyed backup path.

Neither is wrong; they suit different households.

Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for. The Encode leads the three here, with the Encode Plus close behind for Apple users and the Touch Deadbolt as the keyless pick.

So, does Schlage make a smart key lock?

Yes. Schlage makes smart locks with a keyed cylinder, and the Encode is the best example for most people.

It combines a keyed cylinder with built-in WiFi, a touchscreen keypad and app control in one deadbolt.

Pick the Encode if you want a keyed cylinder and smart features without paying for Apple extras. Pick the Encode Plus if you'll actually use tap-to-open with an iPhone or Apple Watch.

Pick the Touch Deadbolt if you'd rather have no key at all and don't need SmartKey.

The key question is whether you want to manage a key. If you do, buy a keyed model and keep the SmartKey tool on hand.

If you don't, go keyless and let codes and the app do the work. Either way, check the door thickness and backset before you order.

Frequently asked questions

Can you re-key a Schlage smart lock yourself?

Yes, on SmartKey models you can re-key with Schlage's SmartKey tool and a new key. The lock stays on the door, so it's a minutes-long job rather than a locksmith visit.

Check that your model uses a SmartKey cylinder before buying the tool.

Do all Schlage smart locks use SmartKey?

No. The keypad-only Schlage Touch Deadbolt has no keyway at all, so there's no key to re-key.

SmartKey matters only on Schlage smart locks that include a physical key, such as the Encode and Encode Plus.

Is SmartKey worth it on a smart lock?

It's worth it if you hand out physical keys to family, renters or cleaners and want to change who has access without replacing hardware. If everyone uses codes or the app, the keyed cylinder matters less.